Dubai Police Participation At Sikka Art And Design Festival 2026 Highlights Culture And Community Engagement

Dubai Police are preparing a wide presence at the 14th Sikka Art and Design Festival 2026, organised by Dubai Culture in Al Shindagha from 23rd January to 1st February. The participation underlines a long-term plan to link policing with culture, creativity and community interaction, while reinforcing Dubai Police’s public image and support for the emirate’s cultural landscape.

Brigadier Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, said that the force’s involvement reflects a strong belief that culture and creative work help build trust with society and strengthen national belonging. The approach places art and heritage alongside security duties in everyday engagement with residents and visitors.

Al Mansouri explained that continued participation in cultural and artistic events forms part of a clear strategic direction. The arts are seen as an effective method for public awareness and respectful expression. Dubai Police therefore seek to connect security responsibilities with social and cultural initiatives that help create a cohesive and safe environment for all communities.

During the festival, Dubai Police present a range of initiatives that link security themes with visual and interactive content. Artistic paintings, historical pieces and participatory activities are combined to highlight the human and cultural dimension of policing. This integrated approach is designed to show how security work operates alongside creativity rather than apart from it.

A key feature of the display is an artistic painting produced with a renowned international artist. The artwork portrays His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, as the driving figure behind Dubai’s development path and the advancement of Dubai Police, placing security progress within the emirate’s wider growth story.

The exhibition also presents selected artistic military formations usually seen during Dubai Police Academy graduation ceremonies, offering visitors a closer look at ceremonial aspects of police work. Alongside these formations stands an artistic sculpture of the Dubai Police cannon shell, linking historical symbolism with contemporary artistic interpretation for festival audiences.

Visitors can view the "Echo of Identity" project, which focuses on Dubai Police’s recognition as the world’s strongest police brand by Brand Finance. A dedicated section features items from the Dubai Police Museum, including historic correspondence, official documents and displays tracing the development of the Dubai Police Band and its artistic and national role at formal and community events.

The cultural experience is enhanced by selected national, heritage and musical compositions that reflect Dubai’s identity and civilised character. These performances are curated to align with the Al Shindagha setting and the festival’s artistic spirit, while also presenting the force as part of the city’s cultural scene rather than only a security presence in the streets.

Dubai Police community engagement at Sikka Art and Design Festival

The Tourist Police Department contributes through awareness lectures aimed at tourists, distribution of small gifts and live demonstrations of tourist security patrols. These activities introduce visitors to the role of tourist police in protecting guests and provide practical safety information, while encouraging direct, informal dialogue between patrol teams and festival attendees.

Dubai Police are also present through the Al Sunaa Studio "Makers Studio", which supports creative production and cultural content linked to security themes. The participation further includes Khalid magazine from the Security Media Department, offering awareness-based, interactive material for children and families through structured art workshops that combine education, creativity and basic safety guidance.

Across all these elements, Dubai Police use the Sikka Art and Design Festival 2026 to connect cultural expression with policing responsibilities. The presence at Al Shindagha brings history, music, visual art and educational activities together, presenting security work as part of daily community life while reflecting Dubai’s evolving cultural identity and institutional priorities.

With inputs from WAM